Legal Question in Traffic Law in Maryland

Going to a Canada but I have Bench Warrent can I get in?

I got a bench warrant for driving on a suspended out of state license. I have proof that the license was valid but not the funding to fight it at this time. I need to get to Canada this weekend for a memorial service. I know my license is valid because I renewed my license on Wensday of last week and everything was fine. I am taking Greyhound to Canada I understand they have you get off the bus in most cases and go though customs. Can I get in or no? I only got like $200 to get the bench warrant removed and know that is probably not enough. Little by little I could pay for the rest. My ticket to Canada is not refundable it was purchased by my friend she knew how important t was to go.


Asked on 1/27/09, 9:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jason Cleckner Law Office of Jason Cleckner, LLC

Re: Going to a Canada but I have Bench Warrent can I get in?

You may get in, but you won't get back without getting arrested. Which county is the warrant?

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Answered on 1/27/09, 9:19 pm
Jonathon Moseley Moseley & Associates Law Firm

Re: Going to a Canada but I have Bench Warrent can I get in?

I am not a MD lawyer, and I do not understand how you can pay off a bench warrant over time. (In VA that would be a summons for you to come into court, and you would need to go into court.)

However, while you need to get MD advice, I would think if you have to attend a memorial service, you should TELL them somehow that there is an urgent need for you to be somewhere else and you will be back to take care of it.

It would be best to hire a MD attorney, but I would think that it would look a lot better if there were a letter in the file BEFORE you travel explaining the problem.

If they catch you at the border with Canada, it looks like you are running away. (Even though that is rather stupid for something so small.)

If you somehow communicate that (a) it is a mistake (b) here is the proof that my license was valid (photocopy), (c) I will take care of it as soon as I can, but (d) someone close to me died and I have to go to a memorial service...

then you will be treated a lot better with that already in the file, in case something goes wrong.

If you say nothing and they just catch you at the border, it will look a lot worse.

You said you cannot afford an attorney, but there ought to be some way to negotiate this with them before you leave.

I am not saying you should tell them where you are going. If you get lucky, and no one notices at the border, you can fix the problem later. But if you tell them you will be crossing the Canadian border, this may ensure someone checks.

In VA, a bench warrant means that you have to go to court and show up.

If you have been ordered to show up in court in MD, then you have an obligation to do this.

Perhaps you can call them and schedule a date and promise to be there on that date, and this can improve the status of the situation.

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Answered on 1/28/09, 1:00 pm


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